flying problems

[gracebowen]

Jet can't seem to land right. He hits the ground kinda hard. At least that's what it looks like to me. He just lost 3 tail feathers from bad landings. As he flies more will he get better? Am I worrying too much? Is there anything I can do to help?

 

[Kalidasa]

Absolutely he will, and it'll happen pretty quickly. It's moulting season for many birds, so the feathers were probably ready to come out anyway. The more he flies the better he will get until he's an expert...turning on a dime, short intervals of hovering etc. was he clipped previously or is he just learning?

 

[gracebowen]

He was clipped but his previous owner said he fledged. Then again when I got him he dropped like a rock. Couldn't glide. He is on his 3rd set of tail feathers. He keeps losing them.

 

[Kalidasa]

My conure was clipped for the first phase of his life (before me) and at 4 years old learned to fly...and it was the landing he had trouble with the most. But they figure it out. Are all his flight feathers in?
If he's bonded to you, it helps to encourage him to fly to you..this also build flight recall training. Start with short distances, a few inches even. If he's got a favorite treat you can use that as a motivator, especially in the morning when he's hungry and fresh. Start with step-up, then move back, increasing distance. Always use the same word/sound when he goes forward to get to you. Keep using the word/sound as you increase the distance. Since you're not a hard floor, he will gain confidence landing on you, and perfect his landing skills at the same time. That way you establish a command call to come to you as well as help him learn to navigate and land. A command call to come to you is one of the most valuable things you can train, especially in the case of escape outside.
But if he's not willing at this point to do all this, don't worry, he'll figure it out. But this is the ideal time to teach flight recall, because he's a bit unsure of himself, and you will be the "safe place".

 

[gracebowen]

He's still growing his flight feathers back. His molting is making him cranky so he's not fully bonded yet. When I do get him out he will sit on my shoulder preening and try to eat whatever I'm eating but if I try to touch him he gripes

 

[Kalidasa]

Ok, just take it slow, and everything will happen in his own time. By the time his flights grow in he'll have it down. Don't worry, they always figure it out. The more time you spend with him, the faster the bonding process will happen...in it's own time. Good luck

 

[Taw5106]

Have you tried having him fly to you across an open area like the livingroom? He'll get better with practice. Buddy, my GCA is 25 yo, fully flighted. When he moved in with us, he could fly but has landings were horrible. He's much better now, even flying to me landing on my arm or shoulder. He's molting and his tail and wings look rough, lol. He can still fly well though. Give your baby time and see if you can get him to practice with you in an open area.

 

[gracebowen]

Jet is flying much better and further. His landings are much improved. He lands very well most of the time. He has kept this set of tail feathers for a long time. They are still rough and still growing in though.

He flew about 20 feet yesterday. Hopefully he will join the meets in just flying for fun soon.

 

[Allee]

Yayyy Jet! I'm glad Jet's flight skills are improving. My two budgies aren't very friendly with my other birds, but they love to fly with the quakers and the cockatiel. It's fun to watch, one bird will take off and the other birds will join them.